SmithBucklin Launches New Service to Aid Groups Taking Events Digital
August 5, 2020
Taking the lessons learned in helping client organizations transition in-person events to virtual or hybrid experiences, association management and services company SmithBucklin has created a fee-based service designed to aid other groups — including those in the corporate world — going through the same process.
“It’s not about taking an in-person event and placing it on a digital platform,” said Carol McGury, executive vice president of event and education services for SmithBucklin. “It’s about building a new experience that achieves the business outcomes.”
As part of the new SmithBucklin VXP process, organizations will identify the financial impact, business outcomes and revenue opportunities needed to achieve their goals with a digital event. Once those are established, they can determine and define the event’s purpose, the reason to convene and key objectives — and then design, develop and launch the organization’s virtual experience.
“We believe the question facing associations is not if your organization should pivot to a virtual or hybrid experience, but when,” said McGury. “The opportunity to provide information, continuing education and connections is still very much present — and for some industries and professions, even intensified — with a virtual experience.”
In addition, SmithBucklin can provide case studies from its more than 50 client organizations currently in the process of shifting their events to virtual or hybrid for 2020 and 2021.
“Associations need to convene to fully fulfill their missions,” said Matt Sanderson, president and CEO of SmithBucklin. “Our approach draws on our 70 years of experience and today’s imperative to enable organizations to meet, engage with members, and diversify away from a 'one event' business model.”
Learn more and read SmithBucklin VXP case studies here.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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